Could it be that I am the cruel villain?-Chapter 862 - 490: I Came for the Remains (Part 2)

They are looking more and more like a couple.

"If I were your father... the She Family Patriarch, seeing you come home empty-handed, I'd probably say the same thing."

The Thunder Pattern flickering in his palm completely dissipated. Though it always stung as a reminder, the feeling didn't last long. Just as everyone guessed, Jiang Feng himself believed this should be other disciples from the Divine Thunder Valley chasing the trace here. Despite feeling a bit uneasy, he didn't dwell on it too much.

One sentence plunged Qingluan into silence.

Their eyes met, both feeling guilty and helpless, awkwardly lowering their heads.

"None of them talked to me about this, but combining what Elder Ge said about the calamity of poison and the marriage by disembowelment, plus your identity, realm, and even the timing is very subtle."

"Though I don't consider myself a clever person, I can still see some clues."

"Throughout this journey, although you also got quite a few things, it was all shared by us. You've been leading us to search in the most concentrated ruins, the places of fiercest past battles. Thanks to you, the two of us are now quite well-off."

"But you have always just been guiding the way. This clearly doesn't quite fit with how you, shortly after we first met, mentioned helping your family obtain some things. Besides, if there weren't something important needing to be retrieved at risk, why would they send an esteemed Imperial Concubine like you to such a desolate place?"

"If you can't successfully bring the things back, next time the Phoenix Heavenly Cave might not be fated for you. But let me ask first, are you on that list?"

The topic suddenly became very heavy.

"I was before, but... recently I heard rumors that the family is still discussing this matter internally, with several aging elders strongly opposing, thinking I should stay to cultivate quietly within the family."

At this point, continuing to conceal carries no meaning. Speaking with a relaxed and candid tone—since any concealment under such circumstances might truly lead to irreversible consequences.

Outside, the mushroom cloud from the explosion continued rising. Clearly, the group from Fulong Pavilion was also facing formidable enemies; after battling for an hour, there was no sign of stopping. At this time, Jiang Feng instead sat back down on the ground, cross-legged, one hand stroking his chin, realizing the growing stubble there.

"That's right."

"Given your talent and aptitude, of course they know better than to confine you within the clan. You should be given a broader space to flourish like a swift bird, but your special identity, combined with the internal issues of the East Sea Clan, forces them to keep you at home."

"Now, the East Sea Clan is not what it used to be, with external pressures being too great. You rank among the top of the younger generation in the clan. If they were to send only other disciples, they likely wouldn't accomplish what needs to be done. As a rising star among the family's younger disciples, they brought you here under pressure, fearing others would snatch the opportunity."

"In other words, they hope you can bring back what they seek. If you manage to bring back what other Dongyue disciples cannot, you will certainly have a place in future, vastly more significant endeavors at the Phoenix Heavenly Cave."

"Conversely, if you fail, your future may be confined to deep, quiet cultivation at home, until you reach a realm suitable for serving the Royal Family."

"I understand your worry—that someone might follow and threaten us. You want to ensure our safety, that we can carry these things out first. If I'm not mistaken, you intend to escort us out of the Old Capital before doubling back to retrieve what's necessary for those family relics, right?" 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

"..." The girl's silence was deafening.

Sometimes, silence is the loudest answer. Being directly exposed can be slightly embarrassing. Even Cen Yueyue paused for a moment, ready to speak but swallowing her words instead.

"This fox spirit, though she only knows how to seduce people, has nothing but good intentions at heart, all considering our well-being. Hmph, no need to hold grudges against her for past matters."

Even the usually stubborn Miss Cen had no words to hurl at her.

"You needn't worry about this matter. Since we've chosen to travel together, we are partners in the same boat, comrades. Not to mention the genuine risks if you were to double back alone; by then, the entire Old Capital might be turned upside down by other Dongyue disciples."

"Previously, having someone trailing us might've been trouble, potentially leading to casualties, so avoidance was best, but the situation is different now."

"Ao Qing, my dear, after consuming so many of these immortal herbs and enjoying extended massaging services from us, aren't you going to express any gratitude?"

Jiang Feng directly glanced at Ao Qing, who had shrunk to the size of a small dog.

"Uu, uuuh!"

Baring teeth with a furry big tail wagging left and right, though Ao Qing seemed not to grant Jiang Feng much face, after those words, he didn't refuse, just grumbling a bit, which could be taken as a roundabout agreement.

After receiving this "Death Exemption Token," Jiang Feng continued, "Great, with Ao Qing supporting us, the subsequent group from Divine Thunder Valley isn't a concern. They couldn't possibly send someone beyond Lei Chuyu's caliber, right? Besides, with Ao Qing overseeing, if they dare, let them send a Peak of Nascent Soul Stage... No."

"If they dare send a Divinity Transformation Stage to wipe us out, otherwise, we'll stand our ground and help to the end."

"So, right now, you mustn't back down. You need to display your excellence and strength, fulfill those old folks' missions, prove your value, demonstrate it."

"If the Phoenix Heavenly Cave lacks you, your family will gain nothing."

"Understood?"

The tone suddenly turned stern.

Since both parties were now in the same boat, Jiang Feng naturally ought to go all out to ease Qingluan's troubles. All the way here, it was she who aided him; his party had been the beneficiaries. Even though she had her own motives, he was bound to return the favor.

The sharp eyes made it difficult to look away, even though the young man before her was five or six years younger, his imposing demeanor practically commanded her to tense up, clenching her fists.

"Awoo!"

Ao Qing cried out, and that's when she realized she was still clutching the fur on his back and hurriedly comforted him. Under her gentle touch, her determination in her eyes was clear.

With a gentle nod.

"Master Ao Qing, would you be willing to lend me a hand?"

"Uuh~ wuuh!"

"Yes, thank you, my lord, thank you, Young Master Jiang, thank you, Miss Cen."

With the dual assurances of Jiang Feng and Ao Qing, Qingluan's worried heart noticeably relaxed, her expression lightened considerably, evidently no longer burdened like before.

"Very well."

The man smirked.

"I know your every move is to escape the fate woven by your family. After all, whether born into the Royal Family or among royalty, there's often little freedom. To free yourself from the Royal Family, the Phoenix Heavenly Cave should be the optimal choice."

"Whatever means you employ, entering it smoothly is essential first. As for helping you break free, I have some ideas—but let's set aside discussing details for now. Once we're safely out of here, I'll explain my plan to you."

"If it comes to it, just blame me for one more thing." He chuckled softly, "Now, you can reveal the mission entrusted to you by the elders."

With a slight nod.

"Qingluan's goal this time isn't merely to collect these so-called Immortal Herbs or Spirit Pills; these items are mainly to be handed in as remnants of literature. The rest are for me to use in cultivation."

"According to the elders at home, Qingluan's mission this time is to collect a skeletal remains."

Skeletal remains?

Hearing this, Jiang Feng's expression registered surprise, originally thinking it might be some Magic Treasure or legacy that mustn't fall into others' hands, but it turned out to be bones.

"Yes, skeletal remains."

"Strictly speaking..." After a moment of hesitation.

"The remains of a Mahayana realm cultivator."